TAMPA, Fla. (BaseballSTL) -- David Phelps is relishing the moment he has with the New York Yankees. Born and raised in St. Louis, the 26-year-old is competing for the final starting spot in the Yankees rotation.

Last year, the 2005 Hazelwood West graduate made his debut in the big leagues and appeared in 33 games (11 starts), pitching extremely well. He went 4-4 with a 3.34 ERA.

Phelps says he doesn’t look at this spring training as a competition, per se, but an opportunity to grow as a person and as a player each day. What he is happy to see, however, is how a lot of St. Louis natives are starting to put their city on the map.

“There’s a lot of guys in the area that are getting the development in high school to be the player they’re capable of to get to the big leagues,” said Phelps. “It’s just nice to see St. Louis on people’s bios more often.”

Phelps is competing with Ivan Nova for a spot in the starting rotation this season.